Head Start (Cedar Tree #7) by Freya Barker Read Free Book Online Page A

opened in her hand, looking out over the parking lot below. “Kendra?”
    Her head whips around and she quickly closes, and locks , the door. What the fuck?
    “What’s going on?” I snap, instantly wincing at the loss of my carefully honed control. Kendra gives me a long look before turning down the short hallway toward what I assume is her bedroom. Even though her behavior concerns me, I can’t help but appreciate the sway of her round ass and the shape of her toned, althletic legs.
    “So what did you bring?” She comes out a minute later, having put on a pair of worn jeans, likely in an effort to cover up. Her hands are working to pull her hair into her standard ponytail as she throws an inquiring look my way.
    “Breakfast. And don’t think for one second you can distract me. Something’s going on and you will tell me.”
    She frowns and presses her lips together, while looking over my shoulder at nothing.
    “Kendra.” I use my most threatening voice, which sounds more like a growl. Her eyes snap to mine immediately. “What has you spooked? You open the door in a sleep shirt, looking like you’ve barely slept at all. It’s obvious something has you shaken. What is it?” I pull the lid off her Latte and shove it toward her. It was that or pull her in my arms, which I’m not sure would go over well.
    “I didn’t sleep well,” she mumbles, her lips around the rim of the coffee cup, her hair falling from the haphazard ponytail to cover her face.
    “I can see that, babe. Talk to me.” This time I don’t hold back, I reach out, wipe her hair off her face and tuck it behind her ear. Her eyes come up and I can see a hint of surprise there.
    “It’s nothing, I’m just tired,” she says, and I know right away that she’s not telling me everything. I observe her as she sips on her coffee and distractedly picks at the bun I handed her. 
    “Kendra.” I make every effort to keep my voice soft. “Did anything happen?”
    The question startles her, and I can see her visibly shake off whatever is on her mind before she turns to me with a smile. “I’m fine, I just really need a quick shower.”
    And just like that, I’m distracted. I try to keep my breathing steady as I imagine Kendra, naked, a stream of water cascading down her body. The thought causes my body to react, and I step sideways behind the counter to hide the evidence.
    “After,” I tell her. “First finish your breakfast. Then I’ll start loading up while you get ready. We’ll get you into your new place in no time.” And close by in Cedar Tree, within easy reach, but I don’t add that. I’ll keep those thoughts to myself for now.
    “Sorry I wasn’t ready.” Her words are muffled by a mouthful of burrito. She looks at me with an apologetic smile on her face.
    “Don’t worry, Pup, I’m in no rush.” I allow myself to lean in and kiss her forehead. She smells like sleep and Kendra. A scent I wouldn’t mind waking up to every fucking day.
    “Pup?” she questions when I turn my attention back on my burrito.
    “Breakfast is getting cold. Eat,” I tell her, hoping to distract her.
    I’m thinking it’s probably not a good time to tell her a pup is what she reminds me of, with those sleep-swollen eyes and lines still creasing her face. Not a good idea.

    K endra
    “Are you hungry?”
    We’ve just finished unloading the bed and couch at my new place. A couple of beautiful baskets hanging on hooks off the porch welcomed us when we pulled into the driveway earlier. Beth had also left a nice welcome-home card on the kitchen counter with a friendly message and a bottle of champagne in the fridge. The rest of the fridge is empty, though, and the cooler with food I brought over won’t be enough. I’ll need to make a grocery run. Neil looks over my shoulder into the empty fridge.
    “I don’t have much in the way of actual food. I should head back to pick up the last of the boxes and stop in at Safeway.” I try to duck underneath